Behind the imperative “Love Your City” is an action by an artist, Merlin Bauer, and a reference to the identity-forming function of architecture—however critically some may view it.
Cologne is its history, no matter how it unfolded
Urban identity grows: through founding history, development, destruction, rebuilding, and stylistically always as a child of its time. Cologne has a long history like many other cities in Germany, yet the city has likely experienced more destruction than many others: Cologne's destruction rate after World War II was over 90%. This, too, is part of Cologne's history and shapes the city's identity.
The artwork "Love Your City" references this thought and sets an architectural focus: also love Cologne's often neglected and generally underappreciated post-war architecture of the 1950s and 1960s. Recognize the significance and promote citizen identification with their city. Thus, the mentioned imperative.
Significance of the Art Action in 2005
The background of this art action around the year 2000 involved debates about urban planning and realized demolitions of important post-war buildings such as the Josef-Haubrich-Forum at Neumarkt in 2002. Art must interfere and address grievances, Bauer emphasized at the time. The aim of the action was to promote the appreciation of post-war architecture and encourage citizens to see their city with new eyes and develop a deeper connection to their urban environment, a benevolent one: Love Your City.
Love Your City: Cult
In the following years, the lettering gained cult status and developed into a hallmark of Cologne and a popular photo motif. The popularity of the slogan inspired rapper Mo-Torres, the band Cat Ballou, and football idol Lukas Podolski in 2016 to create a musical homage to Cologne with the song of the same name.
The lettering still exists today. Initially installed on the Cologne Rheinpavillon, it found its permanent place in 2007 near the Cologne Opera House by Wilhelm Riphahn, one of the most important post-war architects, who, besides the Opera House at Offenbachplatz in 1957, also built "The Bridge" in 1948—now used by the Kölnischer Kunstverein—and erected the Bastion in 1924 and restored it in 1958. Come and take a picture.
Merlin Bauer: A Footnote
Merlin Bauer, born in 1974 in Graz, has lived and worked in Cologne since 1999. With his long-term project "Love Your City," he engages intensively with Cologne's urban architecture.
Useful Information
Eligibility
Suitable for any weather
for Groups
for Class
for families
for individual guests
Suitable for the Elderly
Payment methods
Parking facilities
Our recommendations
Nearby
